The Standard Electrical Dictionary

1. Animal Electricity

   Electricity, notably of high tension, generated in the animal system, in the Torpedo, Gymnotus and Silurus. The shocks given by these fish are sometimes very severe. The gymnotus, or electric eel, was elaborately investigated by Faraday. It has the power of voluntarily effecting this discharge. There is undoubtedly some electricity in all animals. The contact of the spinal column of a recently killed frog with the lumbar muscles produces contraction, showing electric excitement. Currents can be obtained from nerve and muscle, or from muscle sides and muscle cut transversely, in each case one thing representing positive and the other negative elements of a couple.